Community Calendar of Events
Friday June 6
Last day of school for Hazen School District
Saturday June 7
City of Hazen Fishing Derby Mammoth Pond 10:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.
Stuttgart Kiwanis Classic Car Show 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Monday June 9
Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.
Blood Drive Hazen Methodist Church 3:00 p.m.-6:00
Tuesday June 10
Quorum Court meeting 6:00 p.m.
Dementia Care Giver meeting Senior Center Hazen 10:00 a.m.
Thursday June 12
DeValls Bluff City Council meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 15 Father’s Day
Tuesday June 17
Des Arc Housing Authority Board meeting 8:30 a.m.
Des Arc High School 2025 graduates...
Des Arc High School held their 2025 graduation ceremony on May 9th. The group picture (above) was taken by Silver Smith. Below left are the Honor Graduates (Front row: Makayla Fowler, Kyra Hughes, Kyrstin Horton, Charleigh Patterson, Brooklyn Smith and back row: Oakley Davenport, Walker Harris, Zachary Hill, Ben Nearby, Grace Knight, Lynda Miller). On the bottom right side is a picture of the Valedictorian Charleigh Patterson and Salutatorian Brooklyn Smith.
Hazen School Board discusses change in election law
The Hazen School Board held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 27, in the high school library. Due to a change in the state
school board elections law, the board had to vote on having school board elections every four or every six years. The board voted to keep
Hazen’s Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby
elections at four years. The board also discussed the public comments law that requires members of the public to sign up to speak at the board meetings. Speakers may talk for a maximum of three minutes. The members also talked about the location of the new agri building. In personnel, Samuel Stedaman was hired to teach Social Studies and coach high school basketball. The board also hired December Hood to be an elementary paraprofessional. The resignations of Brooke Prislovsky, Taylor Morphis, and Cindy Ciganek were all excepted. The next regular school board meeting will be held on Monday, June 9.
Community events brought to you by Please call The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538)
from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Mammoth Pond Park. The derby is held for children 15 years of age and under and a fishing license is not required. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be stocking the pond and refreshments will be provided at the site.
Prizes will be awarded throughout the day through a drawing and special prizes will be awarded for those catching tagged fish.
The City of Hazen will be purchasing the prizes for the event and some local merchants will be supplying the refreshments. Please bring your children out for a great time and don’t forget to bring your own fishing pole and bait! Mammoth Pond Park is located south of I-40 and east of Hwy. 63. Turn east off of Hwy. 63 onto Mammoth Road. Parking for the derby is located behind the Travel Inn. For questions concerning the derby please contact Tracie Vail at the City of Hazen 870255-4521.
Michael Eugene Edge
Michael Eugene Edge, Sr., age 63, of Hazen, passed away on May 29, 2025. He was born September 18, 1961. Mike was a 1979 graduate of Hazen High School and he worked for Riceland Foods for 44 years until he retired in 2023. He had a big heart for people and loved being Papaw Mike. Mike was preceded in death by his son, Michael Eugene Edge, Jr. of Hazen. He is survived by his son, Jon (Amber) Edge; parents, Preston and Rosemary Edge; sisters, Rebecca (Greg) Shelman and Karen (Allen) West all of Hazen; one brother, Ricky (Allison) Edge of Austin; two grandchildren, Preston and Olivia Edge; several nieces and nephews and two special girls Abigail and Aaryn Owens and two special people who were like family, Vernon and Sonja Owens. You could find Mike on the sideline of any sporting event where his grandchildren were, usually arriving before the team. He spent
By Russell Gloor, National
Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation,
Ask Rusty – Must I take Medicare Part A even if I
many days with his fishing buddy and best friend, Preston. He was known at the softball games as Papaw Mike to all the girls. His love for his family was strong, but his world revolved around Olivia Kate and Preston. He always had a smile on his face and was one of the easiest people to love.
Funeral services for Mike were held Monday, June 2, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, with visitation began at 1:00PM until 2:00PM, and the funeral service begin at 2:00PM.
Burial followed in the Center Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hazen Hornet Girls Athletics Program, Hazen School District
Attn: Coach Joe Besancon 305 North Hazen Ave. Hazen, Ar. 72064
Sharon Plummer
Sharon Plummer of Lonoke, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 with her son and friend present. She was a lot of different things to a lot of different people. If you knew her in school, she was “Mitch” or “Big
Red”. I still laugh every time I think about the time she told me about her playing powder puff football. She had a hair salon in Hazen, Arkansas for a long time until she met her future husband, Norman Plummer, who wooed her with a honeymoon in Greece. It just happened to last for 4 years, where she had her only son, Aron Darcy Plummer. She worked different civilian government jobs as we moved with my father, until finally coming home to Arkansas where she became head secretary at M.E.P.S. in Little Rock. She worked for 4 different commanders over 15 years. She was the one that kept that place running. Most of all, she was a caring sister, wife, and mother who would do anything for family. But, what I will miss most is coming home and the entire house smelling like her cooking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Plummer, brother, James Due Mitcham. She is survived by her son, Aron Plummer and her sister, Paulette Moore. I miss you already and will always love you.
Security Matters
have VA or Medicaid Coverage?
Dear Rusty: Does everyone need to sign up for Medicare part A, even if you are ex-military? Or only on Medicaid, regardless of whether you are eligible for Social Security or not? Also is there a cost for just part A? Signed: Confused Senior Dear Confused: FYI, there is no cost for Medicare Part A (inpatient hospitalization coverage) for those who are also eligible for Social Security benefits. And it is mandatory to enroll in Medicare Part A if you are age 65 or over and are collecting Social Security benefits. If you are ex-military and get all your healthcare services from the VA, you must still enroll in Medicare Part A (which is free) to collect Social Security benefits after age 65.
Enrollment in Medicare Part B (which is healthcare coverage for outpatient services) is always optional because there is a premium associated with Part B. But if you receive all of your healthcare services from the VA, you can – if you wish – decline Medicare Part B and, thus, save the monthly Part B premium. Enrolling in Medicare Part B when you get all your healthcare services from the VA is a matter of having the convenience to choose any healthcare provider you wish (versus using only VA healthcare services).
If you receive Medicaid benefits, and are also eligible for Medicare, you should probably enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B (Medicare would be primary payor and Medicaid the secondary payor). You would be considered “dually eligible” and likely exempt from most healthcare costs with coverage from both programs. That said, it is sometimes not mandatory to enroll in Medicare Part B to get Medicaid benefits, but each state has separate Medicaid eligibility rules. Thus, you should check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if it is mandatory to
By Marsha Heien
take Medicare Part B to keep your Medicaid benefits. FYI, in most instances, Medicaid will pay your Medicare Part B costs, so there is little reason not to enroll in Medicare Part B while on Medicaid. Regardless, enrollment in Medicare Part A is required to collect Social Security benefits after age 65. I would like to thank you for your service to our country and also assure you that we are always here for you if you have any further questions. This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-securityadvisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.About AMAC
The 2.4 million member Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization representing the membership in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout the country. And the AMAC Foundation (www.AmacFoundation.or g) is the Association’s non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting and educating America’s Seniors. Together, we act and speak on the Association members’ behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today. Live long and make a difference by joining us today at www.amac.us/join-amac.
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met for their Sit 'n Sew May 14, 2025 at the First Christian Church's fellowship hall, Stuttgart, with 7 members present.
go. The quilt club will have their annual Quilt Day Camp at the church on June 26, 27, and 28.
Bring your projects, extension cords, and lunch and join us for fun and fellowship....and lots
visiting. In the afternoon, they all got busy and worked on their projects.
Shelley put together a baby quilt for Hope of the Delta. Daphne worked on a mystery project; we will find out
Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "I like my money right where I can see it, hanging in my sewing room." The April minutes and treasurer's reports were given. May Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Daphne, Happy Birthday, Daphne.
Shelley is taking names for a field trip to the Little Rock quilt shops sometime in June, call her to get on her list if you would like to
of sewing and exchange of ideas and tips and this and that.
Show and Share:
Glenda had several pairs of little boys' shorts for the Christmas Shoe Boxes. Also, an Around the Square quilt. Lou Anna had a lovely 9-Patch Special quilt top.
Maeola showed a Razorback quilt in outstanding shades of red, black and gray.
After the business session, everyone enjoyed their sack lunches and
what it is at the next meeting. Maeola sewed on her great-granddaughter's baby quilt. Marsha crocheted on her afghan for retreat. Everyone perused the tables full of fabric and magazines brought for their enjoyment. Many treasures were found for future projects. The next regular meeting will be June 11 at the church...with the Quilt Day Camp on June 26, 27, 28.... Come join us.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor Carlisle Bison baseball
player Jonathan Pickard played one last high school game last week, participating in the 2025 Central Arkansas Senior All-Star Game at the Benton Athletic Complex. He was a member of the East All-Stars, which was coached by Carlisle coach Steven Tew.
The East lost to the West 10-3 in seven innings. The game was scheduled for nine but ended because of a time limit.
At the plate, Pickard, who will play baseball at the University of Arkansas-Rich Mountain next season, was 0-1 at the plate. He lined out to right field in the first inning on a 2-2 pitch. In the sixth, Pickard worked a walk on a 3-1 pitch. He scored a run on a bases-loaded walk to Stuttgart’s Cadien Scaife. On the mound, Pickard
Scott, AR, - Plum Bayou Mounds
Archeological State Park will host an archeological excavation during the first 2 weeks of June. All are invited! Park operational hours will be extended as listed below during the excavation.
OPEN: Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 –Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CLOSED: Monday, June 9
Visitors have several options to see the excavation sites during these special operating hours.
Option 1: Visitors may take a self-guided tour of the site between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to see archeologists at work. All self-guided tours are free; however,
Carlisle coach Steven Tew is pictured with his player, Jonathan Pickard, during the 2025 Central Arkansas Senior All-Star Game last week at Benton High School.
threw to two batters in the sixth inning. He retired Lake Hamilton’s Landon West on a pop up to third base on a 21 count. The next batter he faced, Blake Cribb, also of Lake Hamilton, grounded out to him on an 0-2 pitch to end the sixth inning.
we ask visitors to come inside the visitor center for more information before walking the trail.
Option 2: Participate in a guided walking tour led by a park interpreter at 9:30 a.m. every morning (excluding Monday, June 9, when the park is closed). All guided walking tours during these 2 weeks are free. Inquire at the visitor center for the starting location.
Option 3: Take a guided tram tour led by a park interpreter at 2 p.m. each afternoon (excluding Monday, June 9, when the park is closed). All tram tours during these 2 weeks are free. Check in at the visitor center to obtain a spot on the tram. Seating is limited; participation is first come, first served.
According to event organizer Shawn Regan, Pickard hit 86 miles per hour on the radar gun with one of his pitches. Four Des Arc players participated in the game. They will be highlighted in next week’s Grand Prairie Herald.
In addition to these guided and self-guided tours, don’t miss other interpretive programs going on during these 2 weeks. Check our online calendar at ArkansasStateParks.c om for program schedules and additional information. Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park will return to normal business hours, listed below, on June 15 following the excavation. Wednesday – Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
For more information, contact Robin Gabe, Park Interpreter, Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., AR 72142; phone: 501-961-9442; email: robin.gabe@arkans as.gov.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
PUBLIC NOTICE
ANALYSIS OF BROWNFIELD CLEANUP ALTERNATIVES
Facility: City of Carlisle – Asbestos Cleanup
Facility Location: 216-218 W. Main Street, Carlisle, Ark. 72024 (Lonoke County)
Brownfield Participant: Central Arkansas Planning & Development District
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ), proposes an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA), which outlines proposed remedial actions for the City of Carlisle property located at 216-218 W. Main Street, Carlisle, Ark. (Lonoke County).
The public may review the proposed ABCA and the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) on the DEQ website at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/hazwaste/programs/brownfield and at the Carlisle Public Library located at 105 E. 5th Street, Carlisle, Ark.
Persons who would like to comment on the proposed ABCA may submit written comments, along with their name and mailing address, to DEQ by mail or by email. The period for submitting comments on the proposed ABCA shall begin on the date of publication of the public notice and end at 4:30 p.m. on the 30th day after the publication date.
Please submit written comments to: Dianna Kilburn, Assessment and Remediation Operations Manager Office of Land Resources Division of Environmental Quality 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118
Please submit comments by email to: ee.brownfields@arkansas.gov.
This notice offers the opportunity to comment and request a public hearing prior to DEQ making a final remedy determination in accordance with rules of the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (PC&EC) codified in 8 CAR pt. 11 and 8 CAR pt. 82 available at https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov.
Dated this 4th day of June, 2025
Bailey Taylor Chief Administrator of Environment and DEQ Director Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment
